Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said that the conditions put forward by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Russian athletes to participate in competitions are unlawful and discriminatory.
“The IOC’s recommendations to classify Russians are illegal and a separate decision regarding team sports is clearly discriminatory. Our athletes are offered to enter through an open door while creating additional obstacles.
Athletes have worked hard for years to establish and unite the true principles of sport, according to fair rules and in fair struggle, and to bring joy and pride to millions of people. This is their job, their life. It is inhumane to deprive them of this right.” press office ministries.
On March 28, IOC President Thomas Bach recommended at the organization’s executive committee meeting that Russians should be allowed to participate in international tournaments only as neutral athletes and only those who do not speak openly in support of the IOC. It is not affiliated with Ukraine and its national security services or armed forces.
It was also stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be represented in team sports.
Former four-time Olympic champion in biathlon Alexander Tikhonov judicial IOC “sick people” leadership.